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WAM works with corporations to assess, develop and leverage sponsorship marketing programs in order to meet strategic business objectives.
WAM works with organizations seeking corporate sponsors (referred to as ‘Properties’) to maximize their revenue potential through effective marketing alliances.
SPONSORSHIP MARKETING GROUP, LLC TO REPRESENT MAGNA ENTERTAINMENT ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
September 1, 2005
Toronto – Sponsorship Marketing Group, LLC, along with Toronto affiliate Wakeham & Associates Marketing, Inc. (WAM) is pleased to announce that it has concluded an agreement with Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) to represent its horse racetracks and premier races across North America. Magna’s flagship tracks include Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles, Gulfstream Park in Miami, Pimlico in Baltimore, and Lone Star Park in Dallas. Magna’s televised races include such prominent events as The Preakness Stakes, The Sunshine Millions, The Florida Derby, and The Santa Anita Derby.
Joe De Francis, President & CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club said, “We are pleased to be working with Sponsorship Marketing Group in representing our properties across North America. Their excellent track record, experience and credibility will be a tremendous asset to us as we continue to grow our business”.
Hugh Wakeham, President of Sponsorship Marketing Group, LLC said, “We are pleased to be the sponsorship agency of record for Magna Entertainment. We feel that their strong network of horse racetracks and televised events represent a tremendous opportunity for the right corporate partners. The value that can be created for companies through association with Magna’s properties is exceptional”.
About Magna Entertainment Corp.
MEC is North America’s number one owner and operator of horse racetracks based on revenue, and one of the world’s leading suppliers (via simulcasting) of live racing content to the growing inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets. MEC owns, operates or manages 16 tracks including some of the most prestigious properties in North America. The Sunshine Millions is one of MEC’s annual racing events. It pits California-breds against Florida-breds in an eight race head-to-head, coast-to-coast showdown held at Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park. Another MEC event, The Preakness Stakes, the pivotal race to the Triple Crown, attracts a crowd of over 112,000 people, and over $87 million in betting. NBC Sports coverage of the Preakness delivered a Nielsen rating of 7.7/19 – up 35% from the year before.
MEC operates a growing off-track betting (OTB) network in several states and a national account wagering business, XpressBet, which permits customers to wager on races by telephone and over the Internet (subject to legal restrictions). MEC also owns and operates HorseRacing TV, a 24-hour TV network that provides live horse racing action from six to ten racetracks daily, including exclusive action from MEC racetracks.
About Sponsorship Marketing Group, LLC and Wakeham & Associates Marketing, Inc.
With offices in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles, Sponsorship Marketing Group, LLC provides sponsorship marketing services to corporations and selected properties across North America. Wakeham & Associates Marketing, Inc. of Toronto is a subsidiary is of Sponsorship Marketing Group, LLC of California. Services include conducting sponsorship audits and valuations; developing sponsorship strategies for corporations and properties; conducting sponsorship sales campaigns; and developing and executing sponsorship leveraging programs. Information about the company is available at www.wam.ca.
Those wishing to receive information regarding sponsorship opportunities with Magna Entertainment can contact Hugh Wakeham at 416-593-0040 x 235.